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News & Events
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A Healing Garden for Our Community
March 2009
“In dealing with life, the only way you can find consistency is in the order and structure of nature.”
With these words, Lyn Little, co-chair of the Garden Advisory Committee, has helped energize and engage gardening devotees in a project to create a healing
garden on the CareCenter Cohn Campus in Glenview.
Providing a space for healing, relaxing and honoring a loved one has been part of the CareCenter master plan since the design for our recently constructed facility in Glenview took shape in 2000. And over the past several months, we have been working with the Chicago Botanic Garden in laying the groundwork for a garden that will not only bring comfort to visitors but also be a venue for training in horticultural therapy and healthcare garden design.
The healing garden will reflect evidence-based healthcare garden design, and we expect it to serve
as a regional demonstration project and model for serving the community through horticultural
programs.
Gene Rothert,* horticultural therapist at the
Botanic Garden, commented that they have learned through research and experience how to
develop a garden that “maximizes interactions with nature, allows socializing, feels safe and comfortable, and encourages activity.” Rothert continued, “Research demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of healing gardens. And through our collaborative efforts, we will create the first healing garden in the Midwest that is connected with a program serving hospice patients.”
With the enthusiastic prodding of Little, several area garden clubs are involved with the planning and are bringing their valuable insight and enthusiasm
to the project.
Renowned landscape designer and lecturer, Janet Poor, who has received numerous awards in horticulture, commented that she is delighted to see “two community treasures like CareCenter and the Botanic
Garden—as well as garden clubs—collaborate on the creation of a therapeutic garden that will enhance patient care and provide tremendous pleasure to
community members through its serenity and healing capacity.”
To find out how you can become involved and then
benefit from the CareCenter healing garden, please contact the Philanthropy Department at (847) 467-7423.
*Manager, Buehler Enabling Garden and Horticultural Therapy Services
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